Written answers

Thursday, 26 May 2005

Department of Defence

Air Ambulance Service

4:00 pm

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of helicopters available to the air ambulance service; if the provision of a dedicated all-island emergency helicopter medical service is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17561/05]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of an air ambulance service is primarily a matter for the Department of Health and Children. Inter-hospital air ambulance services are currently provided by the Air Corps and the Irish Coast Guard, subject to the nature of the mission, available aircraft and other operational commitments.

The Alouette and Dauphin helicopters are currently used by the Air Corps in the provision of air ambulance services. The existing fleet comprises seven Alouettes and two Dauphins. Fixed wing aircraft are also used from time to time, depending on the mission type. A total of 31 aircraft are in service with the Air Corps at present, comprising 19 fixed wing aircraft and 12 helicopters. The six new helicopters now being acquired for the Air Corps will also have a specific air ambulance capability.

A detailed service level agreement between my Department and the Department of Health and Children is currently being finalised. That agreement will set out the details of the specific capabilities which the Air Corps will provide in respect of air ambulance services.

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